Swiss Army "Ecoline" scales - replace?

[Jawn]

Just received a new Swiss Army Huntsman-II knife to replace a very used and somewhat abused SAK of a similar variety that I've carried for many years.

When I slid the new one out of the box I was in for a shock, I thought I'd received a cheap counterfeit... the scales (red plastic on the sides) were a matte finish and the logo was heat-stamped into the side, instead of a stainless steel insert like the gloss red "cellidor" ones. Some research indicates these are just a cheaper version produced by Victorinox. Not real happy about that, I'm tempted to replace them.

What's your favorite SAK scales, whether original or custom?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Plastic on the new ones is not resistant to alcohol, it softens and dissolves them. Warranty used to require a copy of the original receipt be provided with the knife when submitted for warranty, now you just send $5 and they will think about fixing it. I have one I never sent in because of the receipt requirement, it was a birthday gift to me from my brother. I recently found a new one of the same model at the flea market, so I bought it and am using it.

Charles

 

[Dave455]

Victorinox have produced some sort if 'Economy' line on and off for years!

Some online dealers are not always upfront about which range they are offering, so if you buy on price beware!

The Cellidor handles on the proper ones is a nice material. Good to the touch, and if it wears you can polish out minor scratches easily!

The proper knives are not big money, so there's no way I'd faff about changing grips on an economy model! Chuck it in the toolbox and buy yourself a proper Huntsman!

My favourite scales are the Alox handles! I've been using these for years and just love them, but the models that use them are a little different!

 

[bonneyman]

There's this guy - SAKmodder.com - who can modify your Swiss Army Knife however you want. You tell him what tools you want, he tells you if it can be done and does it. Modifies tools, back springs, and spacers to get it to work right. Anodized aluminum or brass or black oxide liners, hard anodized aluminum or 6-4 titanium scales. His workmanship is out of this world.

 

[Jawn]

Well, for what it's worth even if I do buy a set of cellidor scales I would still come out ahead cost-wise (was a "lightning deal" on amazon, $18).

I wouldn't blame Amazon for it, I didn't know there was a cheaper version. On the flipside, I've read the cheaper ones are more wear-resistant.

 

[rlitman]

My favourite scales are the Alox handles! I've been using these for years and just love them, but the models that use them are a little different!

+1 Those are my favorite too.